Seabee Moms

Libra Mom my son is supposed to graduate bootcamp 4/20 and go to UT a school. So I wonder how often the school starts ? 

Hi- my son is on hold waiting for it to start the first week of next month . I think they all have to wait to "class up". He had another rate in the Navy but decided to take another path. I can give you more information in a PM.

Libra Mom I sent you a friend request . I’ll give you my number or Facebook info on there 

We just found out that our sailor will now be a seabee...can anyone gelp me with what exactly that means? The 'plan' was air, so this seems a definite change. I'm starting my research all over again.

Kid what rate is he going to be ?

Mia,  The Seabees are the construction battalion of the Navy (hence the name for CB), otherwise known as the "dirt sailors".  Many people have never heard of them but they are integral to all parts of what is done.  It depends on what rate (job) your son is assigned, such as builder, heavy equipment operator, electrician, etc, what he will do and where he will be.  There is a FB group Navy Seabee Moms that you might want to check out.  My son is a builder and has been in 12 years.  Time flies and it is a good part of the Navy to be in.  So many of the answers will depend on his job and where he will be stationed out of.  Ask questions as much as you want and I hope this is helpful.

Hello! I am a new Seabee mom! My son was SO but had to take another path in the Navy. He was very lucky to get the Seabee rate and will be UT- which is utilities man. Basically all things related to water, irrigation, HVAC, plumbing, water treatment etc. From what I have read the Seabees are a lot like the Army Corp of Engineers. They date back to WW1 and are a small and very respected part of the Navy. Currently my son is on hold waiting to begin his classwork. If you message me I can give you more details such as locations etc. 

Mia...my son will also be an EO. He graduates from BC 05/04. Should fly out to Missouri on the 5th. In my opinion, being a Seabee, is one of the best jobs in the Navy! Seabees are a small, tight knit group of men and women within the Navy. Due to this, most people have never heard of them. I think your son made a wonderful choice! 

My son is a fairly new Seabee and seems to be right where he is meant to be.  He is really enjoying himself this month as he finishes up combat training in Mississippi before heading back to Port Hueneme.  I have found that many people have not heard of the Seabee group; however, those that have heard of it, have nothing but great respect and positive comments for these individuals.  I am super proud, but anxious as we get closer to deployment in a few months.

If anyone wants to chat, send me a message.  This site really was a blessing for me when my son (18) left for Boot Camp last September.  Best wishes to all!

Hi guys! My honey is in basic PIR 05/18.. and after he will be going to Missouri for A school. He’s a Seabee and rate is EO. any tips ? Thanks!

Sidney what division? My son also has a PIR of 5/18?

Div 218! 

Good Morning..I'm new what is rating

https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab-and-navy-mos-jobs....

There is a list of rates here. It will be your Sailor's 'job.' For instance, EO is Equipment Operator, it falls in Seabee category.

how long before they leave for the airport after graduation 

We are learning there is no norm. Many fly out the next morning. Our sailor left 3 weeks after PIR, and we had the whole weekend together.

I agree with Mia, "no norm"....be flexible is my new motto.  

My son left at 5:00 am the next morning.  We were able to be with him all afternoon and evening after graduation, before he had to be back on the base that night.  We met him at the airport the next morning as well for one last hug!  

Hello! Wondering if anyone has any experience with Sicily as a home port assignment?

Thank you!

Has anybody experienced Gulfport, MS as a home port?

libramom....your Bee is very lucky to be stationed in Italy!  The whole area is filled with adventure for sight seeing and experiences.

sydney.....my son was stationed in GP for his first 6 years and is actually heading back there in the fall for his next home port duty station.  It's a great area and a great base!

Did he like it? 

sydney, yes he did!  He is excited to be going back.  It is hot and humid in the summer but he doesn't mind that.  His deployments were good.  Do you know what battalion?

Hey Sydney! Our son has been at home in Gulfport, MS, the last 2 1/2 years.  He has another 2 1/2 years left.  He was previously in Pensacola and preferred it over Gulfport. He certainly loves showing us the sights when we are there to visit. As Seabeemom mentioned, it is hot and humid in the summer. However, in the winter months I've noticed him with a flannel shirt on every once in awhile.

Hi, glad to have found this group!  My son just graduated high school, (he enlisted last fall right when he turned 17!)  We're thrilled he got the rate he wanted--SW. He leaves for bootcamp November 14. I cry pretty much every day because I can't believe my time with him is almost gone. (He's my oldest.) I've been sleuthing online trying to figure out where he might be stationed. Are the newbies usually always based in the US?

Welcome catsandkoi.  My Bee is a BU with 5 years in but I know just how you feel!! Join your PIR group once you get the letter and you might also want to join the PIR FB group too.  My bee is my oldest son but my middle child but yes I cried too.  My hubby served but I always told my kids I didn't want them to join because it was so risky and I was the only one allowed to kill them ;)  You might want to look at this site to know what to expect at Bootcamp. http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433  The P-Days have changed since they have their first Physical test before they get assigned to a division but it still gives you a good idea what is going on.

I wish I could say he would be stationed stateside but that would not be true.  He is a bee so he could be based at ANY US Military instillation WORLDWIDE.  My bee was stationed in Sigonella, Italy for his first 3.4 years, He then immediately deployed to Japan since his battalion was on deployment.  Needs of Ma Navy come first.  And bees by virtue of their jobs don't always go just Navy bases.  They can go to Air Force, Army, Marine or NATO bases. That said.... the 2 Battalion stations are Gulf Port, MS and Port Hueneme, CA and the vast majority of Bees are assigned to one of those 2.

My bee, who is a CM, has been stationed in Virginia all of his enlisted life.  He did bang around after A school getting training at Ft Bragg and Gulfport, but only a few weeks at a time.  He has deployed twice for 8 months each but always comes back to Virginia.  It also depends on what he has on his wish list and where there is an opening needed filled.  Our children get to see places they never would have seen because of the Navy and while I too was worried, it has helped him grow and mature greatly.  I am so happy he has found his niche in life.

Thanks for the welcome everyone. (I think I posted this in the wrong spot and probably should have made it a new discussion? Ah well. newbie!) That was an awesome link belovedbyHim, thanks so much!!!  Do you guys have any idea the max amount of running they'll have to do at once?  I know about the times they have to hit, but I'm worried about him having to run 5, 10 miles a day.  I'm also worried about him having to stay up for 48 hours!  I don't think I could do that. Ugh. I'm going to be a wreck when he's at bootcamp.

Thank you for the information below.  It is so helpful.  My son is still in BC but PIR date is 8/17 and he will BU with Seabees.  We are very excited for him as he continues this new chapter.  Looking forward to seeing him at Graduation.

Catsandkoi And navymom-- Welcome to the Hive! navymom-- You might want to look at some of the past discussions re: A school in GP and the hold time and how that all works.  It can be a little confusing because they seem to spend a lot of time just siting around. (Gee... that sounds like some of the construction sites around here!! Maybe it's all part of their training after all!!)
catsandkoi-- that is part of what they want to see.  How do they function under stress!  They do run a lot but if he has been getting in shape while in DEP he should be good to go! It is HARD but this is his choice and the best we can do is support them and know that sometimes parts suck and they chose it!  My Bee loved BC after he got his head around the fact that none of it was personal. The first few weeks were rough and I missed the first phone call but his dad was home so he got to talk to him.  That may have been a blessing in disguise but I was a wreak!. I encourage new moms to consider this bootcamp for us too.  You get to learn Navy lingo and Navy ways.  You also get to pick something you are interested in and become passionate about it.  Consider the 8-10 weeks as an opportunity to focus on something that improves you.  Your SR will be well looked after and this will be the only time that you will KNOW exactly where they are and what they are doing!  After that... Well... Ma Navy owns them and they may or may not be able to tell you just exactly what they are doing!

Thanks Catsandkoi. I will look into earlier comments.  

Just want to give a shout out for the Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme, CA.  If you happen to be in California or are visiting your sailor this is a definite must see!  We took a trip up to it from our home town before my son shipped.  He is going in as BU but still at BC - PIR 8/17. We spent several hours at the Museum.  Very easy to spend a couple hours there.    

Where can I find out info on the  a school in Gulfport Mississippi. My child will be going there after boot camp 

Good afternoon!  My Son graduated on 7/20 currently in Wichita Texas   Anyone knows where can I find in that school located there?  Thank you 

Hi Mafe777.  The Wichita base is an Air Force base.  I believe it only has 2 "A schools" for the Seabees.  So very few sailors there.  Our son said the base and town were kind of quiet, not a lot to do.  Which is good, as the sailors are under alot of pressure to mind their P's & Q's.

Thank you  yakergirl for the information provided !

Well...my son finished BC and is now at Gulf Port for A School.  He said on Sunday.."A School is great so far"!  

Good morning, everyone! Our son is a Seabee who deployed to Africa. The first week, he messaged us with his address. He told us it may take 4-6 weeks for him to receive packages. Immediately, I put together a "care" package to send him. Two days later, he informed us that his address had changed. Ugh! Has anyone else encountered this situation? Do you know if the package will be forwarded to him or if it will be returned to sender?

Hi catsandkoi, He is a BU and will start classes next week.  He's excited for the next step.  Boot camp was pretty true to the 'making of a Sailor' series they are airing - he shared a few funny stories but said that camp is mostly a stress test!  If your recruit is in shape when he arrived at BC he'll do fine.  

Can do!mom. How does your son like Gulfport?  My son is going to A school there tomorrow as a Seabee. Any advice to give him would be appreciated. 

Hi Cimbry11.  My son likes it he is just starting A school and is liking it (i'm sure compared to Bootcamp it is heaven) LOL.  It is hot and humid.  He's only been there a week but we've texted and had some short conversations.  A little liberty but there are apparently levels of liberty and since he just arrived he is still in Level 1.  More freedom to come.  Is your son coming from BC?  

Hi Queen Bees!! I just thought I put this out there... Any PH moms have a bee looking for a short term rental.. Message me.  My boys are out there and one is a civi the other is leaving for deployment so they are looking for a tenant for 6ish months to share the apartment. 

Can do Mom. Yes my son is coming from BC. His PIR was Aug 10 and was in the holding pattern. He is flying out this morning. 

Cimbry11, so glad he's finally at A school. My son doesn't leave for BC until November. I hadn't heard of the "holding pattern." Why does this happen and what was he doing during that time?

Yay Cimbry11.  He probably enjoyed some liberties while in holding at GL.  My son is a BU what job is your Seabee?  

Cando mom. Rate is sw. catsandkoi. They hold people for different reasons. They keep them busy doing various jobs around the base. 

catsandkoi and CanDo!Mom-- when they get to A school in GP they will most likely be on Hold for 4-6 weeks.  This is because the classes are small and recent BC graduates are the low man on the totem pole.  A school takes guys from the fleet first, then Reserve recruits in Alpha order by arrival date then Regular new Sailors in Alpha order by arrival date.  So if Sailor B and Sailor R arrive the same time Sailor R may be waiting to Class up longer than B especially if several Bees from the Fleet arrive or if the Following week they have a bunch of Bees who are going in as reserves arrive.
This is not necessarily a bad thing though!!  First it gives them time to rest and recover from BC and the Ricky Crud!! (My bee had 2 bouts of Pneumonia as a result of that nastiness!!) They also are given fairly easy tasks (Picking up trash, pulling weeds, PTing).  They can go to the retirement home and visit with the veterans there (A great source of information and wisdom!!! ) and just generally get better informed as to their jobs.  They do still rate up and get liberties if they keep their noses clean.  My bee is a BU and today marks 5 years since PIR!! I love and miss him still but he's happy and that makes it all worth while!!